WO2024124316A1

WO2024124316A1 - Arrangement for a support for attaching a photovoltaic panel

Info

Publication number: WO2024124316A1
Application number: PCT/BR2023/050419
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcelo SPERB; Douglas SANTANNA DE MELLO
Original assignee: Sperb Marcelo; Santanna De Mello Douglas
Priority date: 2022-12-16
Filing date: 2023-11-29
Publication date: 2024-06-20

Abstract

The present utility model pertains to the technical field of electrical power generation using photovoltaic panels, and more specifically to a support for attaching panels to the supporting structure without using screws, as well as grounding the adjacent panels without using cables, which are replaced by metal plates that are integrated into the part. The attachment support also has an alternative part that is used as a finishing trim when the photovoltaic panel to be attached is the last one in the sequence. Said part fits into the attachment support by means of guiding pins that are inserted into holes. The part is asymmetrical, receiving the photovoltaic panel on one side and having projections on the other side for bearing on the attachment support, ensuring that the panels are level. This invention ensures that both the attachment of the photovoltaic panel and the grounding are effective.

Description

ARRANGEMENT ON PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL FIXING SUPPORT Technical sector

[001] This utility model belongs to the technical sector of electrical energy generation through photovoltaic panels, more specifically a support that allows panels to be fixed to the support structure without the use of screws, in addition to grounding the panels adjacent without the use of wires, which are replaced by metal plates integrated into the part.

State of the art

[002] The method of fixing known solar panels makes use of a support that connects two adjacent photovoltaic panels, with the support being fixed via screw to the plate support structure, generally metallic or concrete.

[003] The disadvantage of these supports is the use of screws, which requires the use of tools to correctly fix the assembly. When it comes to photovoltaic panels, which are normally installed on roofs or elevated installations, eliminating the use of manual tools is of great value for anyone carrying out the installation, as it reduces the risk of falls and accidents.

[004] The patent document CN 214626923 U, entitled Photovoltaic Panel Grounding Structure presents a piece that connects two adjacent solar panels which is then fixed to the set's support structure, in addition to ensuring the set's grounding, as it has a metal plate that connects the photovoltaic panels. However, this document does not anticipate the replacement of the screw with clips and, therefore, does not resolve the drawback of the prior art. This document presents a form of grounding using a metal sheet that is positioned on the metal surface of the solar panel, however, such a solution does not guarantee the best performance for the system, as the presence of oxides on the metal surface and, perhaps, dirt, can compromise the electrical connection of the set.

[005] Patent document US 2011214366, entitled Photovoltaic Module Assembly Set, also presents a part that connects adjacent solar panels to the assembly's support structure, however, it only anticipates the use of screws and thus does not solve the inconvenience of the state of the art. Novelty and objective of the proposed model

[006] The new constructive arrangement introduced in the photovoltaic panel fixing support, proposed by the present utility model, effectively resolves the previously mentioned limitations of the prior art.

[007] The photovoltaic panel fixing support model object of this utility model is composed of a piece of rigid material, which has a “T” shaped cross section. The lower surface of the support, which comes into contact with the photovoltaic panels, is substantially flat, and also has a recess that is responsible for accommodating a metallic element that grounds the assembly. The grounding element has a hollow rectangular shape with small pointed projections at the vertices and is constructed from conductive material.

[008] It is important to highlight the shape of the grounding element, which has sharp projections on the 4 edges of the rectangle and when pressure is applied through the plastic clip, when installing the photovoltaic panel, the edge of the solar plate is deformed, ensuring the electrical contact of the board with the grounding element and the correct fixation of the assembly.

[009] The upper surface of the support has a rounded shape, and in the center it has a rectangular cavity. There are holes at the base of the cavity through which the plastic clip is passed.

[010] Said plastic clip consists of a plastic belt made of flexible weather-resistant material and which has a sequence of teeth on its surface, so that when the belt is passed through the interior of its hollow head, its return is prevented. (rack type), preventing the clip from being released after fixing. The only way to remove the clip is to cut it. The plastic clip is a product available on the market and is also called a plastic clamp or plastic seal.

[011] Also noteworthy is the lower cost of using plastic clips and the smaller number of parts required. Instead of a plastic clip, it would be necessary to use a screw, nut and possibly washers, which increases the cost and effort of installation.

[012] Additionally, the support also has a hole in the center of the cavity that allows the user to fix the assembly in a conventional way using screws, when desired. [013] Another fact to highlight is the weight reduction that the installer must carry. This fact is relevant when we analyze the conditions in which this type of equipment is installed, normally on roofs or elevated installations. Such weight reduction is important to reduce fatigue, which can lead to accidents and falls for the installation team.

[014] The fixing support also has an alternative piece that is used for finishing, when the photovoltaic plate to be fixed is the last in the sequence. This part fits into the fixing support through some guide pins, which are inserted into the guide holes. The piece is asymmetrical, where on one side it receives the photovoltaic plate and the other side has projections large enough to rest on the fixing support, ensuring the panels are level. This ensures that the fixing of the photovoltaic panel, as well as the grounding, is effective.

[015] The metallic grounding element has an eyelet with a central hole at one of its ends that is responsible for representing an alternative to the way in which grounding occurs. This eyelet ensures that the user can attach grounding wires to the metallic element, more specifically with screws in the central hole of the eyelet, if alternative grounding is desired.

Functional improvement of the proposed model

[016] The new arrangement introduced in the photovoltaic panel fixing support proposed by this utility model, results in the following functional improvements:

- It employs a fixing system that guarantees structural rigidity of the set, eliminating the need for screws, and thus facilitating the installation work;

- The use of plastic clips means lower final installation costs, since only the clip is needed and no other additional fastening elements, such as nuts or washers;

- The pointed shape of the grounding element guarantees correct fixation of the support in addition to ensuring that grounding is as efficient as possible.

List of attached drawings

[017] In order for this model to be fully understood and put into practice by any technician in this technological sector, it becomes described clearly, precisely and sufficiently, based on the attached drawings, listed below:

Figure 1 - top perspective of the fixing support;

Figure 2 - exploded top perspective of the fixing support;

Figure 3 - bottom perspective of the fixing support;

Figure 4 - exploded bottom perspective of the fixing support;

Figure 5 - top view of the fixing support;

Figure 6 - top perspective of the support assembled with the alternative part;

Figure 7 - exploded top perspective of the support with the alternative part;

Figure 8 - top view of the set of two panels assembled with the fixing bracket;

Figure 9 - top view of the set of two panels assembled with screws;

Figure 10 - side view of the assembly with a last panel assembled with the alternative part;

Figure 11 - side view of the set of two panels assembled only with the fixing bracket;

Figure 12 - perspective view of a conventional clamp.

Model description

[018] Figure 1 illustrates the fixing support (1) for photovoltaic panels, whose upper surface (11) has a convex shape with a rectangular cavity (12) that has openings (15) through which the plastic clip (7) is passed .

[019] Figure 2 shows the same parts, but in an exploded form, detailing how the grounding element (2) in the form of a hollow rectangular plate that is fitted into the recess (14) of the fixing support (1). On the side of the grounding element (2) there is an eyelet (22) that has a hole (23) in its center that represents an alternative for grounding the assembly. The grounding element (2) also has pointed projections (21) that are responsible for fixing the grounding element (2) to the photovoltaic plate (4), best illustrated in figures 8 to 11.

[020] Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the fixing support (1), where it is possible to see the flat lower surface (13) that comes into contact with the photovoltaic panel (4). You can see the openings (15) through which the plastic clip (7) is passed, in addition to the hole (17) through which a screw (6) can be passed, best illustrated in figures 8 to 11. [021] Figure 4 shows the grounding element (2) separated from the fixing support (1), and it is possible to see the recess (14) on the lower surface (13) of the support (1) that receives the metallic grounding element ( two). The flat surface (13) can also be seen, which comes into contact with the edge of the photovoltaic plate (4) and, together with the pointed projections (21) of the grounding element (2), guarantees the fixation of the assembly. From this figure you can see the guide holes (18) that are responsible for the correct alignment of the guide pins (32) of the alternative part (3).

[022] Figure 5 shows a top view of the fixing support (1), illustrating the openings (15) arranged in the rectangular cavity (12), through which the clip is passed. In the center of the rectangular cavity (12) there is the hole (17), through which a screw can be passed, which supports the fixing piece (1) to the structure that houses the photovoltaic panels.

[023] Figure 6 shows the previously described components with the addition of the alternative part (3), whose projections (31) rest on the flat surface (13) of the fixing support (1), while the top of the body (33) of the alternative part (3) rests on the lower surface of the body (16) of the fixing support (1), keeping it at the correct level when a last panel is fixed.

[024] Figure 7 illustrates the fixing support (1) interacting with the metallic grounding element (2) and the alternative part (3). The lower surface of the body (16) of the fixing bracket (1) comes into contact with the top surface of the alternative part (3), causing the guide pins (32) of the alternative part (3) to fit into the guide holes (18) which are responsible for the correct alignment of these two components. At the same time, the projections (31) of the alternative part (3) rest on the lower surface (13) of the fixing support (1) and ensure that the assembly remains in place when there are no adjacent photovoltaic panels.

[025] Figure 8 illustrates the fixing support (1) mounted between two adjacent photovoltaic panels (4) using a plastic clip (7).

[026] Figure 9 illustrates the fixing support (1) mounted between two photovoltaic plates (4) using a screw (6).

[027] Figure 10 shows a side view of the assembly assembled in the situation in which there are no two photovoltaic plates (4) adjacent, thus an alternative part (3) is required that ensures that the fixing support (1) remains level and in correct contact with the photovoltaic plate (4). The plastic clip (7) goes through the openings (15) of the fixing support (1) and around the structure (5) to guarantee the assembly's fixation.

[028] Figure 1 1 shows a side view of the assembly assembled in the situation where there are two adjacent photovoltaic panels (4), fixed by the support (1) and using the plastic clip (7).

[029] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a clamp or conventional plastic seal (7) used to fix photovoltaic panels (4).

Claims

1 - “ARRANGEMENT ON PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL FIXING SUPPORT” consisting of a plastic piece with a “T” cross section, characterized in that the fixing support (1) has an upper surface (11) equipped with a rectangular cavity (12) with openings (15) through which a plastic clip (7) is passed and a hole (17) through which a screw (6) passes which fixes the fixing support (1) to the support structure (5) and for having the support support fastening (1) a lower surface (13) with a recess (14) where the grounding element (2) is fitted in the form of a hollow rectangular plate equipped with pointed projections (21) on its edges and an eyelet (22) with a hole (23).

2 - “ARRANGEMENT ON PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL FIXING SUPPORT” according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (16) of the fixing support (1) has, optionally, an alternative part (3) where one of the sides has projections ( 31 ) that rest on the lower surface (13) of the fixing support (1) and the body (33) has guide pins (32) that penetrate the guide holes (18) of the body (16) of the fixing support (1) .